Red Light Coffee Roasters

Galveston, Texas is a tourist- oriented city and any place that is popular with tourists is certain to have lots of places to eat and drink. That includes coffee shops, and one place I visited just recently is Red Light Coffee Roasters, located just a little west of downtown Galveston and the Strand. With this coffee shop, you get the usual assortment of coffee beverages, along with whole bean bags of coffee to go, and assorted, refrigerated drinks you can also purchase to take home. The coffee drinks are good overall, and my cup of Americano was just what I needed when I stopped by here on a Saturday evening. It was hot, rich, and roasty. Red Light Coffee Roasters has a large coffee roasting machine, right there to greet you, when you enter the building. The roaster is red in color- naturally- and its presence does add to the atmosphere. It’s comforting knowing that you’re in a place where the beans are roasted fresh, adding to the quality of the coffee. They do serve some pastries at Red Light Coffee Roasters. I arrived too late to get a pastry, but they did have pre- packaged snacks, like dark chocolate bars and peanut protein bars. I grabbed a dark chocolate bar, since I knew it would match well with my dark coffee, and it certainly did. I like coffee shops that have assorted seating options, and Red Light Coffee Roasters does have a few choices, including a limited number of outdoor chairs and tables. I like the fact that there is a couch, because I prefer to sit on a couch to enjoy my coffee with my wife. Another couch would be good, but at least they have one and since there were so few people there when I arrived thirty minutes before closing time, we were able to grab it. Red Light Coffee Roasters is located west of the Strand, far enough west that there is free parking on the street. It’s a good place for a tasty cup of coffee and the space is small enough that it shouldn’t get too loud to enjoy conversation. It’s a fine place to visit for coffee and snacks in this seaside town.

It was a long time ago that we had a decent cappuccino, but the barista at the Red Light not only nailed it, but made it a piece of art! We will be back to enjoy more cappuccinoos and the wonderful ambience.

I don't consider myself a coffee snob by any means, but I definitely can tell the difference between a mid cup of coffee and an exceptional one. Redlight Coffee was the best coffee I've found while on trip here. House-made syrups and they roast their own beans in house. The espresso has notes of caramel and chocolate and is extremely smooth. I came three times during our short stay and even bought some of their beans home with me. The shaken espresso with sweet cream was amazing! I added two extra shots the second time I ordered it as I prefer very coffee-forward drinks, but it was still perfectly balanced. The flat white and Spicy Mocha were also wonderful. Highly recommend! Extremely chill atmosphere and kind staff.

I stopped by Red Light Coffee Roasters in Galveston and tried their brown sugar iced latte — it was so good I drank it way too quickly! The flavor was perfectly balanced, just the right amount of sweetness. The atmosphere inside the coffee shop was cozy and rustic, a really welcoming place to relax. I’ll definitely be back next time I'm in town!

Top tier specialty coffee conveniently located near the Strand. Beans are roasted in house, and the results are fantastic! Vibe: Building feels historic and there's a decent amount of seating, outlets, and good wifi. Service by Branch, the roaster and barista, was great and we had a good conversation. Seems like a popular place with tourists, students, and locals alike passing through. Free sreet parking is available, and there's an outside with a few tables too. I ordered a double shot of espresso with the house blend and was very impressed. Smooth velvety texture and a nice balance of mild fruity acidity and mellow chocolate, with nearly no bitterness. A perfect house blend. I will definitely be back when I'm in town.

Delicious vanilla lavender latte! The only way it could be better if it was served in a glass :)!! I would come here again.

I'm really excited to get to experience this coffee shop over and over again since it's just down the road from me. First, the business roasts its own beans, and a variety of them too. For example, I was able to get a delicious cortado with espresso from fermented process beans, which I haven't been able to find in most other coffee shops. Additionally, the mocha I ordered actually had properly steamed milk, which is extremely important to me. Too often we go into coffee shops and spend $6 or more dollars on what amounts to a half rate hot chocolate with bubbles on top. Here however, the baristas know how to create a silky micro-foam, incorporating the milk so that the entire drink has the texture of wet paint. It was such a delicious drink, and I can't wait to get back and have another!

Super chill vibes, and most importantly, excellent coffee! Perfectly roasted beans you can smell as soon as you enter, and the cappuccinos and lattes are rich and tasty. We also ordered the seasonal drinks (spooky season latte and spicy latte -fall orders) and they were exquisite! As coffeeholics, we approve!

Loved this coffee shop so much! Love a good local coffee shop especially one that has decent espresso shots. Had the lavender latte, strawberry cheesecake latte, and a drip. All were perfection. They make some syrups in house which I really appreciate when a coffee shop claims to be craft.

Adorable coffee shop in an industrial space. The vanilla latte was smooth and complex. You really got the vanilla bean notes. Also got the pumpkin spice latte and unlike so many, the pumpkin was front and center. Not too sweet. Just perfection in a cup.

I stopped by here yesterday morning with my family for our morning coffee. Whenever we go on vacation, we try to hit up a new coffee shop every morning, and on this morning we ended up heading over to Red Light Coffee Roasters. This shop has both indoor and outdoor seating, with their coffee roaster proudly displayed at the back of the store. For coffee on this morning, I went with the Spicy Maple while my wife went with an iced Strawberry Cheesecake Latte. While we waited for our drinks to be made, my twins went outside and played with the two hammocks. Once we had our drinks, I have to admit that I enjoyed mine. The coffee was very present, and you could tell that it was freshly roasted, which I loved. There was some sweetness from the promised maple, although I would have been hard pressed to tell you what it came from, and unfortunately, I didn't get any flavor of spicy from it. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed my drink, and my wife enjoyed hers as well. The bottom line from me is that I would head back here again in the future. Even though my latte missed on the promised flavors, I really did enjoy the fresh coffee and milk.

The space is cozy and cute, with an industrial vibe. Our barista was patient and helpful, guiding us through the drink menu. She was even nice enough to customize our drinks to make them less sweet. I usually avoid spicy drinks but the barista recommended the spicy mocha and she was spot on. It was delicious with just a tiny amount of heat. We also ordered the high five, which was equally good. I would definitely come back for the spicy mocha.

If you want the SparkNotes version of this review: my girlfriend and I were originally going to try two separate coffee shops in Galveston over our two mornings in town, but Red Light was so impressive that we went back instead. When I was in school in Lubbock, Monomyth was my beacon of what S-tier coffee should be. It has gotten to a point where every time my long-distance girlfriend visits me, I pay for her to bring coffee beans to me. When I visit her, I make sure I go to Monomyth every day of my trip. I say all of this to share that one of our mutual friends (more her friend than mine, but whatever) is from the Houston area and considers Red Light Coffee Roasters in Galveston her Monomyth. Every time she has the chance to go, she will. Her being someone who loves Monomyth even more than us, that is a serious recommendation. Just off the Strand, Red Light is in a perfect location, easily walkable from downtown Galveston. Though the coffee shop is clearly renovated and modernized with its sleek wood and tile walls, beautiful lighting fixtures, and decor, the ceiling tells the story of it being in a well-loved building. I ordered a hot Lavender Breeze: lavender, honey, oat milk, and espresso. A standard affair for me. My girlfriend opted for something more interesting, their Spicy Mocha: mocha, espresso, cayenne, chile powder, cinnamon, and milk. We ordered a chocolate croissant that looked so good I immediately ordered one for myself after they plated it. I have been running a notes app on my phone power-ranking every coffee shop I've been to. There are only four coffee shops that sit with a 9 or higher. Red Light is one of those four. I think the science of coffee drinks being espresso-forward without letting the creaminess of the milk and the flavor of the syrups overpower is important in creating a quality latte, and Red Light Coffee Roasters does it as well as some of the heavy hitters that have been mainstays on my list for years. As for the Spicy Mocha, it's not a drink I would order myself, but it's a drink I was impressed with. The kick doesn't immediately come after you, but it builds in your throat after you swallow. Interesting. As for the croissant, it was fantastic. Pinnacle of pastry making. The coffee was so good, we found ourselves back at Red Light the next morning as I ordered the same thing. I've been to other coffee shops in Galveston and enjoyed them, but they mean nothing to me anymore in comparison to Red Light. I am loyal to you.

Stopped in for an afternoon pick-me-up and I had to get their pumpkin spice latte (tis the season!). It didn't disappoint, and their spacious AC'ed interior helped me beat that 2 pm heat. I bought a bag of their medium roast Ethiopian beans on my way out and it has made wonderful pourover the past few weeks.

A favorite stop both before, and after embarking and disembarking on our Galveston cruises. The quality of the roasting is excellent. Lots of creative specialty beverages also.

Such a cute cafe!! Mostly coffee with just a few pastries. No gf treats. Service was quick and polite. If you're planning on staying sitting space is tight. We were here a Monday morning around 10am, the only space available was at the bar which was completely fine.

I don't know what took me so long to check this place out. It's beautiful both inside and out. The windows let in plenty of sunlight through 2 of the 4 walls. Seats are comfortable and come in all varieties (sofa, thin leather, high chair). Noise levels remained minimal on this Sunday afternoon. Outside, two hammocks hang freely next to each other if you feel like buddying up. It feels relaxing to lounge in when the weather permits it, such as today. I ordered the London Fog. I'm used to clear and simple teas but I enjoyed its light creaminess and sweetness. They gave me a surprisingly large cup for only $3.50+tax. This place is perfect for work and conversation. My date and I both enjoyed shooting the breeze and studying together afterwards. Additionally, the barista was a polite person to talk to. Visiting here felt like a stereotypically peaceful Sunday in Galveston.

What a great place to get coffee, juices, smoothies. The employee working the morning I went was very nice and patient. It was very quiet inside, a lot of people were studying and working. Decided to sit outside to enjoy some fresh air. I think there are three tables outside, which is very convenient. Parking is also found on the side street and I didn't have a problem finding a spot.

Came here for a morning pick-me-up while spending the weekend in Galveston - what a lovely coffee shop! Not much more I could ask for: - Cute, spacious interior with a nice mix of tables, hightops, and a couch - Friendly people behind the counter who gave us tips on our time on the island - Plentiful street parking - My latte was delicious, and was the perfect start to the day Seems like lots of "locals" here - and by that I mean lots of medical/healthcare students seemed tonbe studying or working there when we dropped by. Definitely will be back whenever I am back in Galveston!

Top tier specialty coffee conveniently located near the Strand. Beans are roasted in house, and the results are fantastic! Vibe: Building feels historic and there's a decent amount of seating, outlets, and good wifi. Service by Branch, the roaster and barista, was great and we had a good conversation. Seems like a popular place with tourists, students, and locals alike passing through. Free sreet parking is available, and there's an outside with a few tables too. I ordered a double shot of espresso with the house blend and was very impressed. Smooth velvety texture and a nice balance of mild fruity acidity and mellow chocolate, with nearly no bitterness. A perfect house blend. I will definitely be back when I'm in town.

Update April 2025: Red light rewards program now requires 13 instead of 10 purchases to redeem a free drink. The menu has been updated and prices have also increased. I ordered a drink from the seasonal menu expecting to redeem my reward and was only told after that I didn't qualify anymore - currently prices are ~$6.50 without modifications.

Hubs got a cortado I got a pumpkin spice latte with oat milk 10/10 very speedy service. Really quiet place too if you wanna study here.

Friendly service, lovely atmosphere great coffee. I stopped in here again, helping my daughter to move out this weekend. I ordered the lavender breeze and I didn't have to do a thing it was perfect as is stop in and give them a try.

Came out to Galveston for a quick day trip. Found this spot to be one of the top rated coffee places. We enjoyed the gingerbread and salted butter pecan lattes. Both good and not overly sweet. Music is light and in the background so you can speak with your friends/ family without yelling. Unfortunately they were out of pastry's so we could try them. We got our drinks rather quickly.

Stumbled upon this coffee shop, and didn't even realize there was a 10% discount for happy hour in the mid afternoon on a weekday! A very nice surprise. The shop is very calm, rustic, and clean. The background music is not too loud, and there is a variety of seating such as sofas, regular tables, high tables, bar, and outdoor seating. When we ordered at the counter, the employee was very nice. I ordered a Matcha latte with oat milk and iced. It was very refreshing! There's also plenty of parking on the side streets surrounding all all sides of the store.

Parking you have to pay for. Welcome to the island but if park down the block or on the side it's free. The barista was working all by himself and he was so calm and so even keeled that it was a nice change from people who are under stress to perform. Kind of a plus to the island to have someone like that not buckle under pressure. The kolaches and chocolate croissant were really tasty and I would have gotten more had I known it was going to be that tasty. My drink was with condensed milk and it was delicious and creamy but my husband's latte was maybe too creamy and less coffee which made it like drinking a milk drink. We know what a latte is but had hoped for more coffee in it. Loved the hammocks outside. Good seating both in and out. Bathrooms were super clean.

Excellent coffee, adorable barista. Coffee had a deep, rich flavor. Would have liked some breakfast options but, will be going back for the coffee for sure.

Super cute coffee spot with lots of seating indoor and outdoor! I had the sweet cream shaken espresso and it was a delight. We enjoyed good weather and the hammock swing outside. Service was quick and we were there in the afternoon so no wait!

Participate in the free coffee cupping! You will learn much and appreciate your coffee even more. Service was friendly and efficient. Ambience is bright and positive. And their coffee... the real deal. They know what they are doing and do it well.

I would give Red Light a 3.5/5. I used to go more frequently when I moved to Galveston to study, and most recently went there two weeks back. When it's not super busy, it's a good place to study - lots of natural light and they've added some additional bar seating near the couch area. They also have some outdoor seating and hammocks. The baristas are really friendly and kind, but in my experience, drinks can be a hit or miss depending on who is making it. Admittedly, I'm not a coffee drinker, so I can't speak to the coffee here, but I can speak more to the tea and non-caffeinated beverages. I have gotten both the iced and hot matcha, hot chocolate, London fog, and hot tea. Of those, I enjoyed the hot chocolate most! I think with the other drinks, like the matcha and London fog, I felt like the sweetness levels were inconsistent and depended on who made them. For food, the cookies and croissants are solid and they will reheat them for you, which is nice!

While in Galveston on vacation, I was looking for a coffee shop & stumbled into Red Light Coffee Roasters in downtown. I ordered a summer special- The Shaken Brown Sugar Latte. The drink was light & refreshing! The sweetness was just right compared to other shaken espressos I've had in the past. I also snagged one of their premade bottled lattes for later, which contained espresso, half and half, nutmeg & sugar. It was simple, creamy & delicious! Our barista was also quick and helpful while ordering. I loved the natural lighting in the shop along with their roasting machine out in the open for admiration! Cute coffee shop worth visiting when in G-town!

Such a fabulous local roaster/coffee shop. The barista understood my definition of a "smidge" of syrup. The syrups are homemade in house and the lavender Sao yummy. I had both an oat lavender latte and an Americano. The coffee was very smooth, not bitter or too acidic but just right. My only regret is I didn't find this place on the first day of my visit.

Coffee tasted great, ambiance was nice and calm. Parking was easy. Would be a 5 star if we didn't have to wait when we walked in to an empty counter

Very cute spot with a kind staff! We loved it! Coffee was good & the ham/cheese breakfast sandwich was yummy. Also, the outside area was so pleasant with the hanging swings!

We LOVE coffee so went out of our way to visit Red Light Coffee Roasters and it didn't disappoint. I had the High Five (signature drink with honey cinnamon and oat milk) and my partner had a drip. He said the drip tasted like one of his usual pour overs (which is a huge compliment, especially from him). The server was really kind and prepared our order quickly. We sat outside to be near our dog, but the inside was so lovely. Wish I had something like this closer to home to work from. There is plenty of seating outside too (including 2 hammock chairs) so pretty dog friendly.

Soooo, maybe it was because I was sorely disappointed that in no way did this place come close to the taste, options, location, or vibe of another highly recommended coffee shop I was told to visit while in Galveston... But, I'm going to try and focus on my experience as if I hadn't even discovered the other one at all. Here goes. I will say it seemed like it's super close to where you have to meet the cruise ships? So maybe this is a great place to go feel a little hipster before you Bon Voyage? There wasn't much around (maybe the area is under development) so parking was easy! It's CLEAN, it's new, it's quiet. The coffee was "meh" to me. I had an espresso drink, so I feel like it's pretty major if you can tell you aren't a fan of the bean. There wasn't much to speak of in the area of pastries savory items to accompany the beverages. We were headed back home on a long drive and I was hoping to snag some yums to have on our first hour or so. :/ The guy working there was happy and kind. All in all a short visit. I can't say I'll go back but I'll keep an eye out for more reviews to see how things might look in a few months or so for our next trip to the island.

This is the place for real coffee lovers to go in Galveston!! Actual good coffee and fun drinks to try! Much better than other places I tried while here!

Good coffee but not the best I've had on the island. Quick service and very nice staff. Beans just tasted a little old

Love love love. I make a 40 min drive weekly just to have their coffee. They make the BEST coffee in Houston by far. They roast their own beans, so coffee is always fresh with the most insane flavor profiles. I also buy beans from here, incredible.

This is my favorite coffee shop on the island! Red Light is absolutely gorgeous inside and out! You can study or just sit and relax inside or outside at a table, in a hammock, or even on the steps. The coffee is delicious!! The employees provide excellent, fast service with a smile. Even if there's a line when you go in, you will be in and out quickly! This morning I had a cortado with one packet of raw sugar. Perfection in a little cup!

In downtown Galveston there isn't a great place to park so be ready to try to find somewhere on the street to park and walk a little - you won't be disappointed there's plenty of shops and places to look into on your short walk. An interesting place to come for a stroll any time you're in Galveston. The service was helpful and gave recommendations based on preferences. Coffee prices are around $3-5 which isn't outside of the normal range. Decorations were up for Halloween when I went. There is both seating inside and outside with ample space, lighting and a nice ambiance. A perfect place for a nice chat with friends, a date, or to study for a few hours. **Lavender Latte** The best lavender latte I have ever had. The lavender does not overpower which can often lead to a chemical-like taste in foods. The latte was not too sweet or too bitter but a perfect balance in between. Very, very well done.

Such a tasty treat on the island. I love tucking in here for a cool air conditioned afternoon and caffeine pick-me-up

RedLight has been magical since opening! I love their coffee (for reference I don't like Starbucks - too big and too much sugar). Their syrups are made in house and usually not too sweet. The aesthetic is gorgeous! It's definitely our go-to spot for coffee 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Great little corner destination in Galveston just outside of The Strand. Several options for coffee & tea with great take home whole bean coffee options.

The coffee was amazing, the kolaches and croissants were good. Also the vibe of it is really pleasant.

Super cute/quiet alternative to Starbucks I felt bad because there was only ONE employee tonight and he was overwhelmed. I felt a bit rushed and they were out of snacks.

Right along Galveston port where you can have a view of the giant cruise ship as you park along the street. The coffee shop itself is small and busy with young working adults. It has a familiarity and and personal feel about the place. Thank you to the stranger who saw my larger party with a kid and moved to change tables so we could sit at his bigger table! I tried a latte and it was the perfect temperature and had a refreshing taste. They roast their own beans at this location, and you can see their set up in the shop.

Very friendly. Decent coffee. I wish they had more food options. Customers in there all felt like regulars.

Cute coffee shop, they have seating areas for you to study and the lattes are good, would come again for the ambiance and atmosphere.

Always a pleasant experience. Love stopping by to grab something to go or stay and work. Today I got the iced night walker. It's premixed so can't sub your milk, but doesn't bother me for this drink. Good the way it is. Wasn't too busy around 10:30am and could have easily grabbed a table if I were working from there.

What a cool modern looking coffee shop! Lots of USB ports for cell phones/computers to work and people to hang out. I had a chocolate croissant with a vanilla latte (could have used a bit more vanilla) but, yum nonetheless. ($8 total) Will definitely go back SUPPORT LOCAL BUY LOCAL

Red light is a cute cafe on the strand! I really like the aesthetic and vibe of the place for studying. However, unfortunately, I didn't like my pistachio latte much. Since I went with a group of friends, I also got to try some of the other flavors too. Overall, I think their drinks are a hit or miss. If anyone ends up going here though, I would recommend the nightcrawler!

Red light is my favorite coffee shop on the island for studying! I usually get the vanilla or mocha hot latte. The coffee is more acidic than I would like, but the rewards system, 10% student discount, easy parking, and tons of natural lighting have me coming back. Just fyi that some baristas are not aware of the student discount though. The coffee shop is only super packed on Sunday mornings, mainly due to the farmer's market across the street. Saturdays are not as bad as Sundays. Other than that, it is moderately busy and not too difficult to find a place to study. The place is pretty small, so it's not the best place if you need a lot of table space or are bringing in a large group. There is no blender going off nor do many families come by here (except maybe on Sunday's), so still relatively low sound volume. There is also plenty of street parking! You won't have trouble finding a spot.

Great service, friendly staff. Delicious coffee , had hot and cold vanilla lattes. Highly recommended

This is the best coffee on the island!! The baristas REALLY know what they are talking about! If you are wanting to experiment with like a pour over or something they are great at answering questions! I haven't gotten any of their beans yet but I hope to soon!! It is also a great place to study/work! Really wonderful atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating!!

Red Light Coffee gets a green light from me! The coffee is smooth, and the atmosphere is upscale casual. I'll be back next time I'm on the island!

Really enjoyed a couple hours of espresso and computer work at this aesthetic gem on the edge of downtown. Place has a lovely interior, friendly staff, and menu selection. Parking is easy, but beware of the curb height for those stepping out from the passenger side of an auto.